Dhaka witnessed a pivotal moment in its democratic journey as the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) declared Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections on Thursday as credible and well-managed. Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), hailed the polls during a press briefing in the capital, describing them as a vital step toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.
Under the leadership of MEP Tomas Zdechovsky, the delegation endorsed the election outcomes, emphasizing the competitive nature of the 2026 parliamentary vote—wait, the event aligns with recent timelines. Ijabs noted that fundamental freedoms were largely respected, with the legal framework aligning closely to international standards. The Bangladesh Election Commission operated with notable independence and transparency, ensuring a smooth process across the nation.
Ijabs highlighted the invaluable contributions of citizen observers, fact-checkers, youth activists, and women in enhancing transparency and empowering voters to make informed choices. These grassroots efforts added a layer of accountability that strengthened public trust in the electoral system.
Yet, the mission did not shy away from pointing out shortcomings. Challenges included limited participation of persons with disabilities, insufficient political space for women, sporadic local political violence, and persistent fears of mob attacks fueled by misinformation. Affirmative actions for indigenous communities and minorities remain inadequate, resulting in their underrepresentation in politics.
Calling for a shift from outdated practices, Ijabs urged Bangladesh to bolster independent institutions, human rights, and accountability mechanisms. Zdechovsky echoed this, stating that the country is entering a crucial phase and appealing to the new parliament and government—backed by all state institutions—to implement approved reforms swiftly.
The EU EOM, present in Bangladesh since late 2025, deployed 223 international observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland across all 64 districts on election day. The mission will continue monitoring post-election developments and release a final comprehensive report in due course, underscoring the EU’s commitment to supporting fair electoral processes worldwide.